Asialoglycoproteins as radiodiagnostic agents for detection of hepatic masses and evaluation of liver function.

The use of targeted radiopharmaceuticals in the diagnosis of hepatic structural and functional defects seems to be a promising new field. Two agents, 99mTc-neogalactoalbumin and 99mTc-asialoorosomucoid, have been used with some success in recent studies. More data, however, needs to be obtained on the kinetics of uptake in various disease states. Comparison studies will also need to be done as new agents are developed.